Parenting: Why do children start distancing themselves from their fathers after the age of 12-13..

Adolescence is a delicate phase when children are neither completely young nor grown up. This is the time for them to understand themselves, develop their thinking, and see the world from their perspective. At this age, children are very sensitive and feel their family relationships deeply. Especially their relationship with their father can change rapidly at this time.

It is often seen that after 12–13 years, children gradually start distancing themselves from their father. According to parenting coach Pushpa Sharma, there is no one reason behind this, but many small things together create a distance between father and child. Let us know these main reasons—

1. Being present is not enough

Many fathers believe that if they are at home, then they are with the child. But being present at home and being with the child are different things. If the father spends most of his time alone in front of the TV, phone, or in a corner, then the child feels that the emotional connection between them is weak. Children don't need a perfect father, but a partner who spends time with them, listens to them, and shares their little joys.

2. Trust is also important, along with rules

Boys often want to test their strength and ability, while girls want to know how important they are. If the father's relationship is limited to making rules and scolding, then the trust and closeness in children gradually end. In this situation, children stop sharing their thoughts and look for the attention or validation that they are not getting at home - often in friends or on social media.

3. Understanding the child is more important than grades

According to Pushpa Sharma, many children feel that their father only cares about grades and rules. This happens because some fathers treat children like a project instead of seeing them as human beings, where only results and discipline matter. If you want your child to stay close to you, then instead of controlling him, understand his feelings and parent with patience.

4. Waiting doesn't always work

Some fathers think that they will be a little strict now, and the children will become friends with them when they grow up. But the reality is that children don't wait for that long. If you don't form an emotional bond with them by the age of 12, then it becomes difficult to suddenly get close to them during high school or college. By that time they have decided who listens to them and who doesn't, who makes them feel safe and who doesn't. By this age, the distance between the father and the child gradually increases so much that it is not easy to reduce it.

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